I run a 75 mainer 3 cyl 1996 , with a 21p stainless on my 5.3 humber 2 people on board 80 litre of fuel it will quite happily rev to 6000rpm plus @ 36knots ,I have tried 17p and 19p previously, as stated about a 250rpm decrease per pitch size.
from experience I'd check for crud the jets or the carbs for blockages or the fuel system , just from experience.
good luck.